Let’s Talk About Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube
The thrill of the hunt, the crisp morning air, and the anticipation of that gobble echoing through the woods – turkey hunting is an experience unlike any other. Precision is paramount, and that’s where the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube steps in, promising tighter patterns and longer shots. I was intrigued to test if it would truly deliver on that promise of enhanced performance.
For years, I’ve relied on factory chokes, but I’ve always felt there was room for improvement in my patterns, especially at longer ranges where turkeys often hang up just out of reach. This led me down the rabbit hole of aftermarket choke tubes, searching for the holy grail of tight, consistent patterns. The Carlson’s name kept popping up, known for quality and performance in the shotgun world.
Upon receiving the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The black finish was clean and even, and the stainless steel felt substantial in hand, hinting at durability and resistance to the elements. It was a significant upgrade in feel compared to the factory choke tubes I was accustomed to.
I considered several other turkey chokes, including models from Patternmaster and Trulock, but the Carlson’s offering struck the right balance between price, reputation, and positive reviews. The extended design and specific constriction for turkey hunting sealed the deal. I was excited to see if it would live up to the hype.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube looked the part, but the proof would be in the pattern. I headed to the range with a variety of turkey loads, eager to see what this choke could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube was at my local shooting range, focusing on pattern testing at 30 and 40 yards. The conditions were ideal: a clear, calm morning with minimal wind. I used my trusty Benelli Montefeltro, chambered in 12 gauge, and a selection of popular turkey loads from Federal and Winchester.
The difference was immediately noticeable. At 30 yards, the pattern was significantly tighter and more uniform than what I was used to with my factory choke. There were no significant holes or flyers, resulting in a dense and consistent grouping centered on the target.
At 40 yards, the pattern held together remarkably well, maintaining a lethal density with plenty of pellets in the vital zone. I was pleasantly surprised by the effective range increase this choke provided. I didn’t have any immediate issues with installation, and the choke tightened securely with my choke wrench.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. I’ve put approximately 100 rounds through it, and it’s held up beautifully.
I’ve hunted in various weather conditions, from damp, foggy mornings to dry, dusty afternoons, and the choke has shown no signs of rust or corrosion. The black finish has proven durable, resisting scratches and wear.
Maintaining the choke is simple: I remove it after each hunt, clean it with a bore brush and solvent, and apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust. Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlson’s choke has consistently outperformed them in terms of pattern density and effective range. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is a great upgrade to my Benelli.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube
Specifications
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is designed specifically for Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system.
The choke is constructed from 17-4 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. It’s a 12-gauge choke with a 0.650-inch diameter constriction, optimized for tight turkey patterns. The extended design allows for easy installation and removal, and the non-ported construction helps maintain consistent velocities. Made in the USA, the choke tube offers a black finish and is sold individually.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the choke’s ability to deliver consistent and lethal patterns at extended ranges. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the specific constriction provides the optimal balance between pattern density and pellet distribution for turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube excels in its primary function: delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. It significantly improves pattern density and effective range compared to factory chokes.
The strengths of this choke lie in its consistent performance across a variety of turkey loads. It consistently produces dense, uniform patterns at 30 and 40 yards. One potential area for improvement could be offering the choke in a ported version to potentially reduce recoil, but that may compromise pattern consistency for some users. The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube exceeds my expectations based on my time hunting with it.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is designed with both functionality and user-friendliness in mind. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides a solid, durable feel without adding excessive weight.
The extended design makes installation and removal easy, even with gloved hands. There is no noticeable learning curve with this choke. It is simple to install and produces the expected results.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is built to last. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and wear.
With proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, this choke should last for many seasons of hunting. The maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning supplies and a few minutes of time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube itself doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it’s compatible with a wide range of choke tube wrenches designed for Benelli Crio Plus chokes. You may wish to purchase a specialized choke tube wrench for easier removal and installation in the field.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke itself, you can experiment with different turkey loads to find the combination that produces the best patterns in your shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns compared to factory chokes, resulting in longer effective range.
- Constructed from durable 17-4 stainless steel for long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Easy to install and remove thanks to the extended design.
- Consistent performance across a variety of turkey loads.
- Made in the USA, ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards.
Cons
- The non-ported design may result in slightly increased recoil compared to ported chokes.
- Limited to Benelli shotguns with the Crio Plus choke system.
Who Should Buy Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube?
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is perfect for serious turkey hunters who own a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus choke system and are looking to improve their pattern density and effective range. It’s also a great choice for hunters who want a durable and reliable choke that can withstand the rigors of the hunt.
This product may not be the best choice for hunters who are recoil-sensitive or those who don’t own a Benelli shotgun with the Crio Plus system. Also, beginners who aren’t yet focused on maximizing their shotgun’s performance might find it unnecessary.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal in the field. Experimenting with different turkey loads is highly recommended to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
Conclusion on Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube
The Carlson’s Choke Tubes Benelli Crio Plus Extended Turkey Choke Tube is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters seeking to maximize their shotgun’s performance. It delivers tighter, more consistent patterns, extending your effective range and increasing your chances of success in the field.
The price of $58.49 is justified by the choke’s quality construction, reliable performance, and significant improvement over factory chokes. I would absolutely recommend this choke to any Benelli owner looking to take their turkey hunting to the next level.
Upgrade your Benelli and experience the difference that a quality choke tube can make. Get out there, pattern your gun, and get ready for a successful turkey season!